UNIWA EXPRESSES DEEP CONDOLENCES AND SOLIDARITY FOLLOWING KANTAMANTO MARKET FIRE

Accra, January 20215 – The Ghana Union of Informal Workers Association (UNIWA) extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by the devastating fire that ravaged Kantamanto Market on January 1, 2025.

Our hearts go out to the countless traders who have lost their livelihoods, their life’s work, and their sense of security in the wake of this tragic event. While the flames have been extinguished, the pain, trauma, and uncertainty endured by the victims will take much longer to heal.

As an organization committed to representing the interests of informal workers across Ghana, UNIWA stands in unwavering solidarity with our brothers and sisters who have been affected. We also extend our sympathies to members of the expatriate community with businesses at Kantamanto who have been impacted by this calamity.

In this time of grief, UNIWA calls upon the government, corporate institutions, and well-meaning individuals to come together and provide urgent support to those who have lost everything. Together, we can alleviate their suffering and help them rebuild their lives.

We specifically urge the government to:

1. Launch a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire and ensure that affected traders receive fair compensation.
2. Provide immediate financial assistance to enable traders to rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods.
3. Offer psychological support and counseling services to help traders and their families cope with the trauma of this event.
4. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by informal workers, and it calls for collective action. Let us demonstrate our unity and compassion by supporting the victims in every way possible.

Together, we can help them recover, rebuild, and restore hope in their futures.

Signed,
Enoch K. Bioh
General Secretary
Union of Informal Workers Association (UNIWA)
0247152988

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